Sustainability news August n. 2
August 2026
Reseach Office: Sustainability news, Sustainability news 2026

News from Italy

A Sustainable Journey from the Reggio Emilia Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea

A group of young people walked 120 kilometres, accompanied by donkeys, to promote slow tourism and a deeper connection with nature. The initiative highlights the importance of travelling at a slower pace and independently, rediscovering local areas away from the hectic rhythms of modern life.

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Slow Tourism between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany along the Via Matildica

The Via Matildica del Volto Santo offers a slow tourism experience across 300 kilometres of historic and natural landscapes between Mantua and Lucca. This itinerary showcases Italy’s cultural and natural heritage, promoting an authentic way to explore lesser-known destinations.

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The Emerging Trend of Undertourism in Italy This Summer

Undertourism is gaining popularity in Italy, with 21.3% of tourists opting for experiences away from crowded destinations and choosing to discover small villages and inland areas instead. Supported by 204,000 craft businesses, this approach promotes sustainable tourism while highlighting local identities and traditions.

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Establishment of the Capri Marine Protected Area

Italy has approved legislation establishing the Marine Protected Area around Capri, strengthening biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. The initiative aims to combine environmental protection, scientific research and the blue economy, in line with European objectives for marine conservation.

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News from around the world

Americas

Argentina

“Guardians of the Yungas”: the Guarani community works to preserve one of the region’s most biodiverse forests

The Ava-Guaraní community of Yariguarenda, Argentina, is promoting the conservation of the Yungas through community-based ecotourism and sustainable practices. Led by Indigenous women, these initiatives combine biodiversity protection with local economic development, while celebrating cultural traditions and encouraging responsible tourism.

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Brazil

Brazilian sanctuary for an endangered monkey designated a “Wildlife Heritage Site”

Brazil’s Mico-Leão-Dourado Ecological Park has been recognised as the world’s first terrestrial “Wildlife Heritage Area”. The park not only protects the golden lion tamarin, but also promotes responsible nature tourism through guided trails and environmental education.

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Colombia

Campaign launched to promote responsible tourism in Medellín

Medellín has launched the “Vive Medellín” campaign to promote responsible tourism by showcasing the city’s local identity through cultural and culinary experiences. The initiative aims to strengthen public-private cooperation and position the city as a sustainable tourism destination.

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Asia

South Korea

Agoda and GSTC expand the Sustainable Tourism Academy to South Korea with Korean-language support

Agoda and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) have expanded the Sustainable Tourism Academy to South Korea, offering courses in Korean to improve sustainability practices across the hospitality sector. The initiative has already trained more than 3,500 industry professionals, promoting GSTC standards for more sustainable accommodation management.

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India

Glaw Lake designated Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar site and India’s 101st wetland

Glaw Lake, located in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, has been recognised as the first Ramsar site in Arunachal Pradesh and the 101st in India. The international designation aims to protect the lake’s freshwater ecosystem while promoting sustainable nature tourism through activities such as trekking and birdwatching, with due regard for environmental balance.

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India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari to launch in Ladakh this winter

Ladakh is preparing to launch India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari, an initiative designed to combine wildlife observation with ecosystem protection and local economic development. The project will offer guided safaris to spot snow leopards and other species, with strong community involvement and measures to support sustainable land management.

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Four integrated ecotourism circuits to launch in Delhi at the Akshardham Temple from 11 August

Delhi is introducing four new ecotourism circuits to showcase the city’s cultural and spiritual heritage in a sustainable way. Presented at the Akshardham Temple, the initiative uses electric shuttle services and pedestrian routes to connect historic sites and green spaces, promoting low-emission tourism while engaging local communities.

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Indonesia

Sumatra: initiative launched to protect orangutans in the Jantho Pine Forest Nature Reserve

In Indonesia, a conservation project in the Jantho Pine Forest Nature Reserve aims to establish a stable and self-sustaining wild orangutan population. The initiative involves local communities, promoting sustainable practices and responsible tourism as tools to support biodiversity conservation.

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Europe

Belgium

Flanders: discovering the region by train and on foot with the Treinstappers

Flanders is promoting slow tourism through the Treinstappers, hiking routes that connect railway stations with walking trails. The itineraries pass through nature parks and historic cities, combining public transport and outdoor activities for a low-impact travel experience.

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Denmark

Copenhagen tops the 2026 Global Liveability Index with responsible tourism initiatives

Copenhagen stands out in the 2026 Global Liveability Index thanks to an urban model that combines quality of life and sustainability. The CopenPay programme encourages tourists to adopt responsible behaviours by promoting sustainable transport and participation in environmental initiatives, fostering more conscious tourism.

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France

Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: sustainable boating emerges as a new trend

At the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, “slow boating” is making its debut, promoting a more relaxed and sustainable approach to sailing. The concept encourages the use of hybrid and electric vessels, the discovery of coastlines and local cultures, and reduced consumption and emissions, transforming marinas into gateways to the surrounding regions.

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Creative recycling of neoprene wetsuits in Millau’s tourism sector

In Millau, the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park is promoting sustainable tourism by transforming old neoprene wetsuits into eco-friendly souvenirs. The circular economy initiative reduces waste and involves local tourism operators, demonstrating the potential of recycling within the tourism sector.

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Spain

Vehicle access restricted in Jabaloyas to promote responsible tourism

The village of Jabaloyas in Aragon has decided to restrict vehicle access to Mount El Javalón during the total solar eclipse in order to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism. The decision highlights the importance of safeguarding ecosystems and the quality of life of local communities, offering a model of responsible tourism even during major international events.

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The Paradores network as a model of sustainable tourism

Spain’s Paradores, originally created to restore historic buildings, represent a model of sustainable tourism that showcases cultural heritage and supports local economies while offering an alternative to traditional mass tourism circuits.

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Switzerland

Balancing tourism and environmental protection in the Goms Valley

Switzerland’s Goms Valley offers an example of sustainable tourism that combines tourism development with environmental protection. Initiatives such as low-impact transport and the Nature Charter encourage longer, more environmentally responsible stays, showcasing local resources without compromising the area’s identity.

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United Kingdom

Edinburgh: reinvesting post-festival resources to benefit the local community

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, is prompting a rethink of tourism towards a more regenerative model. The introduction of a visitor levy in 2026 aims to generate funds to support local communities, enhance less-visited areas and involve residents in decision-making, creating a positive legacy beyond the festival’s immediate economic benefits.

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Oceania

Australia

Port Stephens targets ECO Destination certification

Port Stephens in Australia is seeking ECO Destination certification in recognition of its commitment to sustainable tourism management and environmental protection. The initiative strengthens the destination’s competitiveness and promotes ecotourism while showcasing the region and engaging local communities.

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Fiji Islands

The blue economy as a driver of growth

The Fiji Islands have launched the BE-GREEN programme, a USD 24.26 million initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development in rural communities across Vanua Levu. Developed in partnership with IFAD and GEF, the project combines agroforestry, beekeeping, cocoa and seaweed farming, and sustainable tourism, with the goal of balancing economic growth and environmental protection.

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Eco-scenarios

Travelling the world without destroying the planet: is tourism sustainable?

Tourism is responsible for approximately 8.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with air transport accounting for the largest share. UN Tourism views tourism as a key contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals, but achieving this potential requires structural change towards genuinely sustainable practices.

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Heatwaves and changing travel habits

Heatwaves are prompting travellers to choose cooler destinations, with an increase in bookings for traditionally winter-oriented destinations and mountain locations. This trend highlights the importance of combining climate advantages with high-quality services to attract tourists.

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